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Spanish compliant bonds
The Spanish compliant investment bonds
A tax-efficient investment solution for residents in Spain
Thank goodness for the Spanish compliant investment bond! Each country’s tax code seems to have various ways of relieving us of our money. However, they also offer ways to legitimately avoid taxation if we purchase the correct financial products.
In the UK, most people know the tax-saving nature of pension plans and ISAs. However, the Spanish compliant investment bond is a tax-efficient investment solution that can be used to defer Spanish personal income tax. It can also help UK-domiciled individuals reduce the inheritance tax payable on their death if the bond is placed into a suitable trust.
Who are Spanish compliant bonds suitable for?
Spanish compliant investment bonds are typically used by:
- UK expatriates living in Spain
- Individuals retiring to Spain with UK-based assets
- High-net-worth individuals seeking to generate tax-efficient income
- Investors looking to defer Spanish income tax on investment growth
They are particularly relevant for those who:
- Have existing ISAs, investment portfolios, or offshore investments
- Expect to draw income in retirement
- Want to simplify tax reporting in Spain
Taxation in Spain
Spain has a reputation for being a relatively ‘high tax’ country. As a result, many who travel to Spain regularly remain non-tax resident and manage their affairs to ensure the continuation of UK tax residence.
Individuals who spend less than 183 days in Spain in any given tax year can claim to be UK tax residents. The situation has become more of a challenge for those spending a significant amount of time in Spain each year.
The Spanish tax authorities now require individuals to show concrete proof of time spent outside the country. Brexit has complicated the issue further due to the imposition of the ’90 day’ rule. Anyone in an ambiguous position should take professional advice to clarify their status.
The Spanish compliant investment bond: tax planning opportunities
Becoming a Spanish tax resident may be less of a tax burden than first thought. There are legitimate ways of avoiding ‘savings income tax’ for those who use approved investment structures. A summary of the rules are as follows:
- You must invest in a tax-compliant life insurance bond;
- The bond must contain an element of ‘risk’; it must also pay out life insurance over and above the value of the plan on the death of the policyholder (generally at the 101% level);
- Investment funds available for selection have to be EU UCITS (Undertakings for Collective Investments in Transferable Securities) funds;
- The insurance bond issuer must have a fiscal representative in Spain responsible for collecting and paying taxes due.
Any investment which does not fit the criteria above will attract a ‘savings income tax’ in Spain.
You should note that Spain taxes people on a worldwide basis; it makes no difference where they hold their assets. So, for example, a Spanish tax resident with UK investments such as property, ISAs, shares or foreign non-compliant insurance bonds, will have to pay tax on his holdings each year. Capital Gains and Investment Income tax rates range from 19-28% depending on which region the individual lives.
By contrast, investments in compliant bonds do not attract annual taxation. Spanish Investment Bonds don’t have to be declared on the modelo 720, as the product provider will do that on the individual’s behalf.
The only time tax will be payable is when money is withdrawn. In this case, tax is only payable on a portion of the withdrawal and takes account of the growth element of the total income received as well as an amount being assumed to be return of capital.
Differences in taxation
The section/tables below show the differences between the taxation of compliant and non-compliant investment bonds.
Taxation if there are no withdrawals for a compliant vs non-compliant policy
An individual invests €150,000 in an investment bond on 1 January 2020; they have no other income from savings or capital gains in the relevant tax year. If the investment is a non-compliant policy, the policyholder must declare the growth each year as savings income and pay tax on the total amount. However, if they invest in a Spanish compliant bond and make no withdrawals during the year, no tax will be due.
Taxation on withdrawals for a compliant vs non-compliant policy
In this scenario, an individual invests €150,000 in a Spanish compliant investment bond on 1 January 2021; they have no other income from savings or capital gains in the relevant tax year. This time the policyholder withdraws the growth each year.
The owner of the non-compliant policy will pay tax based on the plan’s growth as before. However, the owner of the Spanish compliant investment bond will only pay tax on the gain element of the withdrawal.
As you can see, there are clear benefits when investing in a Spanish compliant investment bond. On the one hand, if you don’t take money from your account, there will be no tax to pay; on the other, if you make withdrawals, the tax payable amount will be significantly reduced.
In conclusion, you should consider the level of tax in a country in light of available investment structures and the opportunities they offer investors. Indeed, one could argue that Spain is almost a ‘tax haven’ for retirees who use or intend to use personal investments to provide income!
For additional information on the Spanish compliant investment bond, please get in touch with us below:
Want to know if a Spanish compliant bond is right for you?
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Get in TouchKey advantages at a glance
- No annual tax on growth (tax deferral)
- Tax-efficient withdrawals
- Simplified reporting (no Modelo 720 declaration required)
- Estate planning flexibility (can be structured with trusts)
- Wide range of UCITS investment options
Are there any costs or fees?
As with any investment structure, Spanish compliant bonds involve costs, which may include:
- Insurance wrapper charges
- Underlying fund management fees
- Advisory or portfolio management fees
These costs vary depending on the provider, investment strategy, and level of advice required.
What are the risks?
While Spanish compliant bonds offer tax advantages, they are not suitable for everyone.
Key considerations include:
- Investment risk (value can go down as well as up)
- Liquidity considerations depending on structure
- Tax rules may change over time
- Charges may impact overall returns
Professional advice is essential to determine suitability.
How do Spanish compliant bonds compare to other investments?
Compared to holding investments directly:
- Direct portfolios → taxed annually
- ISAs → lose tax benefits in Spain
- Non-compliant bonds → taxed yearly
Spanish compliant bonds allow:
- Tax deferral
- More control over the timing of taxation
- Potentially lower effective tax rates on withdrawals
How to set up a Spanish compliant investment bond
Setting up a compliant bond typically involves:
- Assessing your residency and tax position
- Selecting a compliant provider
- Choosing a suitable investment portfolio
- Structuring ownership (individual, joint, or trust)
Advice is critical to ensure compliance with Spanish tax rules.
Frequently Asked Questions
01
Are Spanish compliant bonds safe?
They are regulated insurance-based investment products, but their value depends on the underlying investments.
02
Are they worth it?
They can be highly effective for tax planning, particularly for long-term investors and retirees.
03
Can I transfer existing investments into a bond?
In many cases, existing portfolios can be restructured into a compliant bond.
04
Do I need to declare the bond in Spain?
The provider typically handles reporting requirements.
Why work with Axis Financial Consultants?
- Experience advising UK expats in Spain
- Cross-border tax and investment expertise
- Tailored retirement and income planning
- Independent advice aligned with your goals
A tax-efficient strategy
for residents in Spain
For additional information on the Spanish compliant investment bond, or to understand how this structure could fit within your broader financial planning strategy, get in touch with Axis Financial Consultants today to arrange a consultation.
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